Nighthawk Custom Model GRP Recon .45 ACP 5″ 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol 2015
SOLD FOR: $2,531.00
LSB#: 240506KR020
Make: Nighthawk Custom
Model: GRP Recon
Serial Number: NHC12571
Year of Manufacture: 2015 (Test Target)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol
Barrel Length: 5” Match Grade
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Trijicon blade with a single tritium insert. The rear sight is a Heine square notch base with a serrated rear face and a single tritium lamp. The rear face is dovetailed into the slide and has two set screws. The lamps are bright and easily acquired in low-light environments.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are black G-10 panels with the GatorBack texture and Nighthawk logos. The front and back strap are checkered. The checkering is aggressive. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
There is an integral accessory on the dust cover with an attached Surefire X300 Ultra flashlight.
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, this bore is a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no significant wear or damage. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: There is a zip tie around the action with a factory warning sticker stating “THIS TAG MAY ONLY BE REMOVED BY THE OWNER OF THIS FIREARM”. We have no doubt that the action functions properly. The frame-to-slide fit is snug. The pistol has a beavertail safety with an indexing bump, skeletonized hammer, serrated trigger, and extended thumb safety. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a manual, test target, other factory handouts, black US Peacekeeper soft case, one 8-round Nighthawk mag and one 7-round mag, test brass, the mentioned Surefire light with additional Surefire parts and a manual for the flashlight.
Our Assessment: The 1911 and 1911-A1 pistols served the military of the United States from 1911 to 1985, through two World Wars and the Korean and Vietnam wars. They gained a reputation as a reliable handgun with plenty of stopping power, and are held in high regard by those who have used them. The design was the end-result of a series of developments by famous gun designer John Browning, starting with the Model 1900. The advances made by Browning were revolutionary at the time, and were so successful that they are considered commonplace today. Browning not only developed first a pivoting and then a tilting barrel to allow for a locked system, he developed the concept of “the slide”, which is now synonymous with semi-automatic handguns.
As with any hobby, with the 1911 you can go as far as your pocketbook will take you. Just about every brand has a 1911 on offer and they range from entry-level to high-end, this example is one of the latter. Nighthawk Custom is among a small group of the best manufacturers of custom and semi-custom 1911s in the world including Wilson Combat, Ed Brown and Les Baer. This pistol is an excellent example of why they have earned this reputation. The fit and finish are next level and Nighthawk has combined the most desired upgrades including front and back strap checkering, extended indexing beavertail grip safety, beveled magazine well, extended thumb safety, night sights, rail, and skeletonized hammer and trigger with their legendary craftsmanship quality. Many of the hard edges are beveled, the top of the slide is serrated, and the rear of the slide is checkered because details matter. All of the features combine for a pistol that is not only damn good looking but should shoot damn well too! If you’ve been looking to get a premium-quality 1911, you can’t do much better than this. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Greenfield
